Thus the territorial sea a marginal belt of maritime

which the adjacent maritime waters are measured. Thus, the territorial sea, a marginal belt
of maritime waters, is measured from the baselines extending twelve (12) nautical miles
outward.
[23]
Similarly, Art. 57 of the 1982 LOSC provides that the Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ) "shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines from which the breadth
of the territorial sea is measured."
[24]
Most important to note is that the baselines indicated
under RA 9522 are derived from Art. 47 of the 1982 LOSC which was earlier quoted.
Since the 1987 Constitution's definition of national territory does not delimit where the
Philippine's baselines are located, it is up to the political branches of the government to
supply the deficiency. Through Congress, the Philippines has taken an official position
regarding its baselines to the international community through RA 3046,
[25]
as amended by
RA 5446
[26]
and RA 9522. When the Philippines deposited a copy of RA 9522 with the UN
Secretary General, we effectively complied in good faith with our obligation under the 1982
LOSC. A declaration by the Court of the constitutionality of the law will complete the bona
fides of the Philippines vis-a-vis the law of the sea treaty.
It may be that baseline provisions of UNCLOS III, if strictly implemented, may have an
imposing impact on the signatory states' jurisdiction and even their sovereignty. But this
actuality, without more, can hardly provide a justifying dimension to nullify the complying RA
9522. As held by the Court in Bayan Muna v. Romulo ,
[27]
treaties and international

7/16/2019 [ G.R No. 187167, August 16, 2011 ]
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agreements have a limiting effect on the otherwise encompassing and absolute nature of
sovereignty. By their voluntary acts, states may decide to surrender or waive some aspects
of their sovereignty. The usual underlying consideration in this partial surrender may be the
greater benefits derived from a pact or reciprocal undertaking. On the premise that the
Philippines has adopted the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the
law of the land, a portion of sovereignty may be waived without violating the Constitution.
As a signatory of the 1982 LOSC, it behooves the Philippines to honor its obligations
thereunder. Pacta sunt servanda , a basic international law postulate that "every treaty in
force is binding upon the parties to it and must be performed by them in good faith."
[28]
The
exacting imperative of this principle is such that a state may not invoke provisions in its
constitution or its laws as an excuse for failure to perform this duty."
[29]
The allegation that Sabah has been surrendered by virtue of RA 9522, which supposedly
repealed the hereunder provision of RA 5446, is likewise unfounded.